The spirit of excellence that defines United States Naval Academy gymnastics was on full display in Annapolis as alumni, family, and friends gathered for the biennial Navy Gymnastics "Highest Bar" Awards Dinner on February 7. Held every other year following the Army-Navy Star Gymnastics Meet, the celebration once again brought together generations of athletes to honor the enduring legacy of Navy Gymnastics and to recognize those whose lives exemplify its highest ideals.
More than 180 alumni and supporters filled Akerson Tower at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, just hours after the Midshipmen secured another phenomenal victory over Army in the Star Meet. The electric energy from the win carried into the evening, where camaraderie, pride, and tradition defined the program's most cherished gathering.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious "Highest Bar" Award, an honor reserved for individuals whose achievements in service and in life reflect the discipline, perseverance, and integrity cultivated through Navy Gymnastics. The "Highest Bar" trophy was designed and funded by Navy Hall of Fame gymnast Steve Arnold '56.
Curt Leyshon '91, Chair of the Navy Gymnastics Recognition Committee, addressed the crowd to explain the significance of the award and introduce this year's distinguished recipients: Lieutenant General Matthew T. "Terry" Cooper '58, USMC (Ret.), and Captain Michael G. "Mike" Slattery '68, USN (Ret.). Leyshon emphasized that the award represents more than athletic excellence. It recognizes lives defined by leadership, character, and commitment to service beyond self.
LTGen Matthew T. "Terry" Cooper '58, USMC (Ret.)
Born in Lexington, North Carolina, LTGen Cooper graduated from the Naval Academy in 1958 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Over a distinguished 35-year Marine Corps career, he served more than 20 years in command billets, including command of two Marine Divisions and a Marine Corps Base. His senior leadership assignments included Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Japan, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Reserve Affairs at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
A combat veteran of two tours in Vietnam, Cooper later commanded the Marine Corps Ground Reserve during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V," and numerous other personal and unit awards.
Following retirement, Cooper continued a lifetime of service. As President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation for 15 years, he transformed the organization into one of the nation's premier charities, growing annual revenues to exceed $200 million and expanding its impact on children and families nationwide. A Distinguished Graduate of the Naval Academy, Cooper has also served as a national trustee of the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Vice Chairman of the Naval Mutual Aid Association.
His life stands as a testament to the Navy Gymnastics ethos: strength with purpose, leadership with humility, and service without hesitation.
CAPT Michael G. "Mike" Slattery '68, USN (Ret.)
A standout member of the Naval Academy Gymnastics, competing on rings, Captain Slattery graduated in 1968 and was one of only two members of his class selected for the Navy SEALs.
He served with Underwater Demolition Team 13 and SEAL Team ONE during the Vietnam War, conducting some of the conflict's most hazardous missions. These operations included submarine insertions, riverine and sampan infiltrations, and long-distance surface swims carrying explosives and weapons. His combat valor earned him the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V," the Legion of Merit, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and numerous other decorations.
Slattery's career culminated as Chief of Staff at Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), where he helped shape the future of Naval Special Warfare and joint special operations.
In retirement, Slattery pursued academia with the same intensity he brought to military service. As an adjunct professor at Campbell University, he developed and taught five original courses in military history and political science. A published author in the U.S. Naval Institute's Proceedings and Naval History Magazine, his most recent article, "The Passing of a Navy SEAL Legend," honored the gallantry of a fellow naval officer and underscored his continued commitment to preserving the history and heritage of Naval Special Warfare.
NAAA Hall of Fame Recognition
The evening also celebrated two members of the Navy Athletic Association (NAAA) Hall of Fame for their excellence in gymnastics: Peter DiTullio '83 and Thomas Belesimo III '87. Their contributions to the program, through competitive success, leadership, and mentorship, have left a lasting mark on Navy Gymnastics and inspired generations of midshipmen who followed in their footsteps.
In addition to honoring past legends, the dinner underscored the strength of the current program. Remarks from Navy Director of Athletics Michael Kelly, Head Coach Kip Simons, and the 1/C gymnasts reflected pride in the team's recent triumph over Army and confidence in the program's trajectory.
The Navy Gymnastics "Highest Bar" Awards Dinner is more than a celebration. It honors the legacy of Navy gymnastics. From championship victories over Army to distinguished careers in uniform and beyond, the program's history is woven into the broader fabric of the Naval Academy.
As alumni and current athletes gathered together, the message was clear: the standard remains high, the bar set even higher, and for those who wear Navy across their chest, that legacy continues to inspire.
